Why Is Winter Good for Laser Hair Removal?
One of the most important rules for enjoying the best results possible from laser hair removal at the Little Rock area’s Dermatology Group of Arkansas is simple: Avoid the sun!
Given that we have less daylight in the winter, as well as colder weather that makes staying indoors a no-brainer at times, the span between fall and spring can be an ideal window for having the treatment done.
Why is it important to stay out of the sun if you’re having laser hair removal? Read on to learn more.
Contrast Is Key
Advanced laser devices can provide results for people with a variety of skin tones, but the ideal patient has significant contrast between the color of their hair and color of their skin. The lighter the skin and the darker the hair, the more effective the treatment can be.
This is because light energy from the laser treatment device goes into the skin and is selectively absorbed by darker-pigmented cells in the follicle, which is the pocket that holds a growing hair. As these cells absorb the light, they convert it into heat—causing a very rapid rise in temperature. The high heat damages the rest of the follicle, effectively shutting it down. In time, the hair the follicle was holding falls out. Since the follicle is damaged, the cycle of new growth is disrupted, leaving the skin smooth and hair-free for the foreseeable future. Maintenance visits can help maximize the duration of results.
If the skin is darker than usual at the time of the treatment, whether due to ultraviolet radiation exposure or the application of tanning creams, the laser light can be more diffusely absorbed. This increases the risk of side effects and decreases the effectiveness of the treatment.
This is why the winter can be ideal for a treatment session! Staying out of the sun comes naturally to many people when the weather is colder and days are shorter. Post-treatment recovery is also improved, since laser-impacted skin can be more sensitive to damage from ultraviolet radiation.
Get more information about laser hair removal—for the winter, summer, or any time at all—by contacting Dermatology Group of Arkansas. Send a message online or call 501.227.8422.